From Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in a totally re-imagined Mickey’s Toontown, to the spectacular “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks show, and the wonderfully reimagined Adventureland Treehouse — 2023 offered up some fantastic new magic in Disneyland. But what about 2024?
NOTE: Updated (January 24) — This post has been updated with additional Downtown Disney news and concept art.
From the bayous to Pixar Place, the Disneyland Resort has a nice schedule of openings to look forward to in 2024. While it isn’t back-to-back new attractions like we might dream about, there is exciting stuff coming this year! Downtown Disney will debut several new dining locations throughout 2024, Fantasmic! will finally return after its infamous dragon fire, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will finally open in Critter Country! Check out all of the new magic coming this year:
Pixar Place Hotel Grand Opening
Opening Date: January 30, 2024
Description: Pixar Place Hotel officially opens this month after being in various states of transformation from the Paradise Pier Hotel over the last year. While we’ve been seeing a lot of the newly reimagined hotel over the last several months as it has reopened in phases, it will finally complete its makeover at the end of January. The reimagined hotel immerses guests in the colorful worlds of Pixar animated films ranging from “Toy Story” to “Turning Red.” Luxo Jr. and the Pixar ball greet guests in the lobby, the rooftop pool sports a new “Finding Nemo” theme, guest rooms have been remodeled with new Pixar decor, and So Cal restaurant chain Great Maple has taken over food service in the hotel with a new flagship restaurant location. While we haven’t loved what we’ve seen from the new hotel up to now, we do think that the property’s mid-80s bones mixed with the half-hearted early-2000s Paradise Pier theme were in desperate need of some TLC and we’re glad it finally got it… even if the new version of the hotel feels a bit cold and corporate, particularly on the exterior.
More information: Pixar Place Hotel Coverage and Info
Recent Construction Photos: (our galleries are clickable so you can see the images in larger size)
Select Concept Art:
Fantasmic! returns | Rivers of America, Disneyland
Opening Date: May 24, 2024
Description: Following last year’s highly-publicized fire that destroyed the show’s climactic animatronic dragon, “Fantasmic!” finally returns. While we’re looking forward to the show’s return, we’re cautiously optimistic about changes which are being made. The incredible dragon animatronic isn’t coming back anytime soon, if ever. Disney has promised “new magic” for the finale, including a new battle between Mickey and Maleficent. But what that means exactly remains to be seen. If nothing else, the beloved “Peter Pan” segment of the show will return to the decks of the Sailing Ship Columbia. That popular Peter Pan segment had been missing since 2017, when it was replaced by a poorly-reviewed “Pirates of the Caribbean” scene.
More Information: All about the Fantasmic! fire & the show’s big return
Show Photos:
Haunted Mansion Expansion | New Orleans Square, Disneyland
Opening Date: Fall 2024
Description: Are these haunted grounds actually expanding? No, it isn’t your imagination. The Haunted Mansion complex is expanding this year in a multi-part project. The major changes on the way will transform the grounds, enhance the attraction both behind-the-scenes and for guests, and bring big changes to the New Orleans Square landscape.
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- Expanded outdoor queue: A newly-expanded outdoor queue will weave inspiration from Mansion residents including Master Gracey, Madame Leota, and the One-Eyed Cat. The expanded queue will be themed as gardens, featuring a gazebo, water fountain, landscaping, and statuary. Guests will even walk through the greenhouse of the Haunted Mansion’s groundskeepers.
- New gift shop: Adjacent to the attraction’s exit, a new carriage house will be home to a new gift shop. Inspired by Madame Leota, this new standalone retail shop will be next to the ride’s exit but won’t require guests to exit through it.
- ADA enhancements: A new elevator will make the load/unload experience more streamlined for guests with disabilities. The new elevator will allow guests in wheelchairs to exit the attraction without having to exit through the stretching room – which makes the initial load/unload experience difficult for all guests.
- Haunting new magic and improved infrastructure: The attraction’s extended closure is due in part to much-needed behind-the-scenes work. We’re hearing that a major refurbishment to the attraction’s huge graveyard and other scenes is on the way and will address some critical infrastructure work to the 55-year-old attraction. While no major show changes are expected in the graveyard, you can expect the scene to look brand new when it reopens with all animatronics refurbished, new scrims, and refreshed special effects. But there’s even more magic that could be on the way… and it might follow you home! It’s possible that the beloved hitchhiking ghosts could be getting a major refresh that will bring a technology update to the ride’s iconic finale and keep you hurrying back for more!
- Reimagined New Orleans Square fountain plaza: Nestled between Tiana’s Palace restaurant and the Haunted Mansion, the Spanish fountain plaza featuring historic magnolia trees will be transformed. The Haunted Mansion’s queue expansion will take over part of this plaza area and the remaining space will be reimagined with new landscaping, a reworked bandstand, and additional seating for Tiana’s Palace.
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More Information: Haunted Mansion Expansion & Enhancement Coverage
Selected Concept Art:
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Grand Opening | Critter Country, Disneyland
Opening Date: Late 2024
Description: After four years of development and construction, the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in Critter Country in late 2024. The attraction replaces the popular but controversial Splash Mountain E-Ticket ride and will utilize its existing ride type and layout. The thrilling flume ride will take guests on a musical adventure with Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis the Alligator, Mama Odie, and other characters as guests join Tiana on the search for a “special ingredient.” The ride will culminate in a thrilling drop into a fabulous Mardi Gras celebration.
More Information: Full coverage of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Development, Construction, and More!
Recent Construction Photos:
The attraction is inching toward opening with the installation of a new water tower this past week!
Select Concept Art:
VIDEO:
Dusty visits Tiana’s Bayou Adventure construction & new construction walls at the Haunted Mansion.
Downtown Disney District continued evolution
Opening Date: Multiple openings throughout 2024.
Description: Downtown Disney’s evolution and reimagining will continue with the opening of several new dining offerings in 2024.
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- Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita: Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán’s new restaurant (Paseo), outdoor bar (Centrico), and quick service (Tiendita) will open this year. Disney announced the addition of Tiendita, a quick service walk-up counter location next to Paseo in a Disney Parks Blog post on January 22. These locations all replace the long-running Catal and Uva Bar. The new locations will serve up contemporary Mexican cuisine and drinks in an upscale setting.
- Din Tai Fung: The world-renowned Chinese restaurant famous for soup dumplings, noodles, and more will open on the west end of Downtown Disney, next to the Downtown Disney LIVE stage and park.
- Parkside Market: Next to the new Downtown Disney LIVE stage and park area, the new food hall-style Parkside Market will offer three quick service dining locations for folks looking for fast-casual dining. The new dining options will include: Seoul Sister, a Korean bibimbap eatery; Sip and Sonder, offering Caribbean-inspired bites and lattes; GG’s Chicken Shop, serving chicken sandwiches and salads. Plus, a rooftop bar will serve up specialty cocktails and mocktails.
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But those new offerings aren’t all. The transformation of Downtown Disney continues and work will get underway this year on more dining locations in Downtown Disney, including:
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- Tortilla Jo’s: The long-running Tortilla Jo’s Mexican restaurant in Downtown Disney will close on March 31 to make way for a new restaurant. With Centro and Paseo restaurants opening soon nearby, we have long expected Tortilla Jo’s to be on the cutting block. Disney has yet to announce what will take the place of Tortilla Jo’s, but we expect the facility to be demolished and replaced with an all-new building for the new tenant.
- Earl of Sandwich: Disney has yet to announce where the new permanent Earl of Sandwich will be built (though there are clues in the concept art for the area next to Parkside Market), but on January 23, 2024 Disney announced plans for “an all-new, two-story location” featuring “a quick-service Earl of Sandwich shop on the ground level and a table-service gastropub upstairs.” Earl of Sandwich will move out of its current location this winter and temporarily reopen in a popup location near Star Wars Trading Post by the end of February.
- Porto’s Bakery & Cafe: Once Earl of Sandwich moves to its pop-up location, demolition of the former La Brea Bakery building will get underway. In its place, construction of an all-new facility for the popular Porto’s bakery and cafe will get started.
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More Information: Latest Downtown Disney Transformation News & Info
Recent Construction Photos:
In this concept art, you see a building that has not yet started construction behind the mod-style shade structure. That’s Parkside Market on the left, but we believe the yellow building on the right is the future home of Earl of Sandwich.
Select Concept Art:
FESTIVALS & SEASONS 2024
For the first time ever, Disneyland announced its full schedule of seasonal events, celebrations, and festivals for the new year at the end of 2023. The lineup includes the expected favorites including the Holidays, Halloween Time, and Lunar New Year. The calendar did include some surprises, however, including the return of Pixar Fest and Season of the Force, which we haven’t seen in the parks in years. Are you excited for these returning favorites or would you rather not see Main Street, U.S.A. decorated for Pixar Fest for over three months this summer?
Check out the full lineup of festivals and celebrations below:
Lunar New Year | Disney California Adventure
Festival Dates: January 23 through February 18
Info and Highlights: The colorful and energetic Lunar New Year festival returns to Disney California Adventure this winter. Arguably one of DCA’s best festivals, the annual celebration of Asian cultures brings lively cultural performances and activities, appearances from characters including Mulan and Mickey and friends, and a delightful food festival. And don’t miss the special “Hurry Home!” Lunar New Year pre-show at World of Color. Expect a lot of Mushu this year, as the Lunar calendar celebrates the Year of the Dragon!
More Information: 2023 Lunar New Year coverage on MiceChat
Festival Photos:
Celebrate Gospel | Disneyland
Celebration Dates: February 17 and 24
Celebration Description: Disneyland’s annual celebration of Gospel music returns to the Fantasyland Theatre for two days during Black History Month. The 2024 concerts will be headlined by Marvin Sapp (Feb. 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Feb. 24), who will be joined by community choirs from across Southern California.
More Information: 2023 Celebrate Gospel coverage on MiceChat
Celebration Photos:
Anaheim Ducks Days | Disney California Adventure
Celebration Dates: February 22 and 23
Celebration Description: Disney California Adventure celebrates the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club’s 30th anniversary with a two-day event. Celebrate the Anaheim Ducks with a two-day event in Hollywood Land, including a celebratory cavalcade, themed activities, photo opportunities, and appearances by select team players.
More Information: 2023 Anaheim Ducks Days coverage on MiceChat
Celebration Photos:
Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival
Festival Dates: March 1 through April 22
Festival Offerings: The popular Food and Wine Festival returns for its annual run in Disney California Adventure! Guests can enjoy festival marketplace booths serving up unique and delicious bites and drinks, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, character meet-and-greets, and more! As an added bonus, the fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California returns as part of the festival offerings.
Festival Photos:
Season of the Force | Disneyland
Festival Dates: April 5 through June 2
Festival Description: Season of the Force returns to Disneyland for the first time since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019. The Star Wars-themed festival will include the return of Hyperspace Mountain and new destinations for Star Tours in Tomorrowland. In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, “galactic music” will bring a “new perspective” to Disneyland’s evening fireworks shows. Additionally, Star Wars fans will be able to find special Season of the Force-themed food offerings and merchandise during the festival.
More Information: 2015 Inaugural Season of the Force coverage on MiceChat
Festival Photos:
Pixar Fest | Disneyland Resort
Festival Dates: April 26 through August 4
Festival Description: Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort for the first time since 2017 this spring and summer. The over three-month long festival will bring new entertainment to both theme parks. In Disney California Adventure, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” will bring Pixar characters and scenes to the parade corridor. In Disneyland, the “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with new scenes. During the festival, guests may meet a variety of Pixar characters including new friends such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental” and Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red.” Colorful decor will decorate both theme parks and guests will be able to enjoy themed food and buy special merchandise as part of Pixar Fest.
Festival Concept Art and Photos:
Halloween Time | Disneyland Resort
Season Dates: August 23 through October 31
Season Description: The popular Halloween Time celebration will return, expanding its run and starting for the first time in late August. Expect returning favorites such as the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark. The special-ticketed Oogie Boogie Bash trick-or-treat parties will return at Disney California Adventure on select nights. We don’t expect to see much change in the roster of Halloween Time offerings this year.
More Information: 2023 Halloween Time coverage on MiceChat
Season Photos:
Plaza de la Familia | Disney California Adventure
Season Dates: August 23 through November 2
Season Description: Disney California Adventure’s Día de los Muertos celebration returns to Paradise Gardens. The cultural celebration features storytelling and music from Pixar’s “Coco.”
Season Photos:
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Season Dates: Begins November 15
Season Description: The ever-popular Holidays at the Disneyland Resort return November 15 with all of the favorites: seasonal decor and festive treats, Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, “Believe in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, “it’s a small world” holiday, Festival of the Holidays, Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, and more! Much like Halloween Time, we don’t expect too much of the holiday offerings to change much.
More Information: 2023 Holidays at the Disneyland Resort coverage on MiceChat
Season Photos:
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Let’s Hear From You!
Well folks… That’s what’s headed to the Disneyland Resort in 2024. Dusty was away in Kansas for his grandmother’s 101st birthday, so it was my pleasure to bring you this unique update on the Disneyland Resort.
Do you like the schedule of events? Looking forward to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Any particular restaurants opening that you can’t wait to visit? Let us know what strikes your fancy or any wishes you have for the Disneyland Resort in the coming year? Should Electrical Parade or Paint the Night return? And we’re STILL waiting on more information about upcoming projects like the Avengers ride and Avatar for Disney California Adventure and a 3rd park (DisneylandForward) on the west side of the resort. So there are a lot more big things and announcements we are expecting in the coming months.
MiceChat LIVE Video:
Although he was freezing in sub-zero temperatures in the mid-west, Dusty still produced a fantastic Disneyland Live on Friday with the help of Suzanne Lee and Natalie Kipper, who show you the latest changes to the Pixar Place Hotel, the soon-to-be-closed Tortilla Jo’s, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure water tower, and the first signs of construction at the Haunted Mansion. Don’t miss this one folks:
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